Thematic Bible: Conversion


Thematic Bible



And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and gave honor to the message of God [i.e., they accepted it as true]. And all those who were appointed [by God] to receive never ending life [through faith and obedience] became believers. Verse ConceptsGentiles, In NtHappinessHonouring GodPredestined PeopleThe Call Of GodPredestination, Of PersonsReligious AwakeningsThe Gentiles ConversionThose Who Believed In ChristElect

And the believers of Jewish descent, who had come with Peter, were amazed [when they saw] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had [now] been poured out on the Gentiles also. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGenerosity, God'sBelieversPrejudiceAstonishmentThe Gentiles ConversionThe Holy Spirit Described As God's Gift

When the Jews resisted [Paul's efforts] and spoke against him and his message, he shook out his clothing [i.e., an expression of rejection and contempt] and said to them "Let your blood be on your own heads [i.e., you are responsible for whatever harm comes from your action]; I am not responsible. From now on I will go [and preach] to the Gentiles [only]." Verse ConceptsGentiles, In NtConfrontationBlood, as symbol of guiltInsultsSpiritual Warfare, Causes OfAbuse, To God's PeopleRejection Of God's CallShakingName CallingThe Gentiles ConversionPreaching Gospel To ForeignersResponsibility For Blood ShedPeople Abandoning PeopleBlasphemy

Then the seventh angel sounded its trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord [i.e., God] and of His Christ, and He will rule forever and ever." Verse ConceptsFutureAngels as agents of judgmentKingdomsKingship, DivineLordship, Human And DivinePersecution, Attitudes ToSociety, Positive Aspects OfUnity, God's Goal OfSecond Coming Of Christ, The PurposeThe Gentiles ConversionSeventhGod Reigning ForeverChrist Reigning ForeverShout Of GodSeven TrumpetsGod Speaks From Heaven

Now the apostles and the [other] brothers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had responded to the message of God. Verse ConceptsAcceptance, Of The GospelThe Gentiles ConversionForeigners Saved By FaithThe Apostles In Action

And after many questions were asked [about it] Peter stood up and addressed the assembly [including the former Pharisees who were now brothers]: "Brothers, you are aware that some time ago God decided that, from among your number, it would be through my ministry that the Gentiles would hear and believe the Gospel message. Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofevangelists, ministry ofHeraldLipsDissensionDisputesMissionary ExamplesThe Gentiles ConversionPreaching Gospel To ForeignersForeigners Saved By FaithChosen DisciplesSpeaking With The Mouth

Then let it be known to you that salvation from God is [now] being announced to the Gentiles. They will listen [to it]." {{Some ancient manuscripts insert verse Verse ConceptsGentiles, In NtListeningOutsidersThe Gentiles ConversionPreaching Gospel To ForeignersThe Gospel Of SalvationGentilesAcceptanceBeing Saved

We were these people, whom He called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles. Verse ConceptsThe Gentiles ConversionConsider Your Call To Salvation

and so that the Gentiles [also] may honor God for His mercy, as it is written [Psa. 18:49], "Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing to your name." [Note: Paul here accommodates the words of King David by applying them to Jews participating with Gentiles in praising God as part of the one body]. Verse ConceptsThe Gentiles ConversionI Will Sing PraisesI Will Praise You With MusicPraise God For His Benefits

[This happened] so that the blessing [promised] to Abraham might be received by the Gentiles through [the person and work of] Christ, so that we might receive the promised [gift of the] Holy Spirit through [our] faith [in Jesus]. Verse ConceptsGod, Faithfulness OfBankruptcyCircumcision, spiritualGrace, And Holy SpiritReceiving An InheritanceParticipation, In ChristRedemption, In NtGift Of The Holy SpiritThe Gentiles ConversionPromises Of The Holy SpiritThe Effects Of FaithReceiving The SpiritThe promises of GodBlessed By ChristFreedomBlessing Othersredeemed

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O Lord, who will not fear [you] and honor your name, for only you are holy? [So], all the nations will come and worship in front of you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfGlorifying GodMinistry, Nature OfReverence, And God's NatureUnity, God's Goal OfWorship, Reasons ForMan's Conduct Towards GodAweThe Gentiles ConversionGod Doing RightDoing RightGod's Deed RevealedThe Gospel To The NationsWorshipping GodFear God!























And after greeting them Paul reported one by one the things that God had brought about among the Gentiles through his ministry. Verse ConceptsGentiles, In Nt



to open their eyes [to the truth] so they will turn from darkness to light and from the power [i.e., the influence] of Satan to God. [Then] they can receive the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance [of never ending life], along with [all] those who are set apart [for God] by trusting in Me.' Verse ConceptsenlightenmentReceiving An InheritanceRepentance, Nature OfSatan, Kingdom OfSpiritual Blindness, Removal OfSatan, Power OfClarityFrom Darkness To LightReceiving SightHealing Of The BlindBenefits Of Faith In ChristMan's Authority Over The DevilGod Will ForgiveDarknessForgiving YourselfSanctificationdominion

For those people themselves report on what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you people turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God. Verse Conceptsdiscipleship, nature ofServing JesusGod, Living And Self sustainingHonestyRepentance, Nature OfSin, Accepting Forgiveness OfTurning To GodWelcoming BelieversIdolatryAvoiding Idolatry

So, they were sent on their way with the backing of the [Antioch] church and traveled through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling them about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great rejoicing to all the brothers [who heard about it]. Verse ConceptsConversion, examples ofChristiansTravelThe Soul Winners JoyPeople ConvertedPeople Sending People

They had only heard it said about me, "This person, who had once persecuted us [Christians], is now preaching the faith he once made havoc of." So, they gave honor to God for [what He was doing through] me.


My brothers, if anyone among you strays away from the truth [of God's inspired message], and someone brings him back [to it], that person should know that whoever brings a sinner back from the error of his way will save that soul from [spiritual] death and will cover over a large number of sins [i.e., the many sins of that person will become forgiven].


But it was [only] proper that we celebrate and have a good time, for this brother of yours was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again; he was lost [from me] but [now] is found.'" Verse ConceptsAlive, Description OfBeing Dead In SinSpiritually DeadLost People

You [Jews] were the first ones to receive this blessing when God raised up [i.e., selected] His Servant [i.e., Jesus] and sent Him to turn all of you [away] from your sins." Verse ConceptsChrist, The High PriestGod Raising ChristTo The Jew Firstservanthood

For I will not dare to speak about anything, except what Christ has done through me in bringing about the obedience of the Gentiles. He accomplished this by my message and my deeds, Verse ConceptsCurbing SpeechMere TalkObeying The Gospel

The power of the Lord was upon their efforts so that a large number of people who believed [the message] turned to the Lord [in faithful obedience]. Verse ConceptsConversion, nature ofGrowthHand Of GodProgressRepentance, Nature OfRevival, CorporateChurch, IncreasingReligious AwakeningsAdditionsGod's HandMany In The ChurchTurning To GodGod As The Source Of Faith

When he got there and saw how God was favoring the people [with salvation] he was very happy and [stayed on and] encouraged everyone to remain close to the Lord with a heartfelt purpose. Verse ConceptsHappinessHeart, And Holy SpiritGladnessSteadfastnessWhole HeartednessThe Grace Of GodPeople Encouraging OthersRejoicing In God's WorksWitnessing


but, [instead] declared to the people of Damascus first, [then] to the people of Jerusalem, and [finally to those] throughout all of the district of Judea, as well as to the Gentiles [everywhere] that they should repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and turn to God, doing deeds which demonstrate their repentance. Verse ConceptsConversion, nature ofMissionaries, Task OfPreaching, Content OfProof, As EvidenceRepentance, Nature OfRevelation, Responses ToUrgencyPreaching Gospel To ForeignersRepentance And ForgivenessSigns Of RepentanceWorks Of FaithRepentancedamascusevangelising



At that very time His disciples came to Jesus, asking, "Who then is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?" So, He called to Him a little child and placed him in front of them, and said, "Truly I tell you, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless you turn [your life around] and become like little children [i.e., having child-like humility].

Then Peter began to curse and swear, "[I tell you], I do not know the man." And immediately a rooster crowed. Verse ConceptsBad LanguagePrayerlessnessUnfaithfulness, To PeopleApostasy, RestoredBirds, Types Of BirdsChickensBird SoundsNot Knowing About ChristSwearingcursesdenial

My brothers, if anyone among you strays away from the truth [of God's inspired message], and someone brings him back [to it], that person should know that whoever brings a sinner back from the error of his way will save that soul from [spiritual] death and will cover over a large number of sins [i.e., the many sins of that person will become forgiven].

The jailor immediately took Paul and Silas, and cleansed [and soothed] their wounded [backs] and then he and his [believing] household were immersed [into Christ]. Then he brought them up into his house and prepared a meal for them. So, he and everyone in his household, who had believed in God [and were immersed], rejoiced greatly.



The woman said to Him, "I do not have a husband." Jesus said to her, "You were right when you said, 'I do not have a husband,' because you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not [really] your husband. So, you have told the truth."

And these Samaritans did not welcome Him because He was heading for Jerusalem. [Note: They perceived He was a Jew and Samaritans did not associate with Jews]. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said [to Him], "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to burn them up?"








[But] Paul answered, "What are you trying to do [by your] crying and breaking my heart [like this]? [Do you not know that] I am ready, not only to be chained up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?" Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfAfflicted Saints, Examples OfeagernessMartyrdom, Qualities OfReadinessSelf DenialShepherds, As Church LeaderWeepingLove Towards Christ, The Nature OfMartyrdom Of The SaintsLove For GodMartyrdom, Believers Attitude TowardsDeath Of God's PeopleEvangelismBreaking Chainsjerusalem

After receiving these orders, the jailor threw them into the maximum security cell and had their feet securely fastened in wooden restraints. Verse ConceptsImprisonmentsInjury To Feet

The jailor immediately took Paul and Silas, and cleansed [and soothed] their wounded [backs] and then he and his [believing] household were immersed [into Christ]. Verse ConceptsHourLove, For One AnotherRelatives Also InvolvedChristian BaptismBaptism


But I prayed earnestly for you, that your faith would not fail [to be strong]. And when you have turned back [i.e., from going astray briefly], provide [spiritual] support to your brothers." Verse ConceptsConversion, nature ofFaith, Growth Inenemies, of believersEdification, Examples OfRepentance, Nature OfSatan, As TempterCommunion Of SaintsLove Of Jesus, Examples OfIntercessory PrayerTurning To GodStrong Faith In ChristJesus Praying


When the magistrate saw this miracle performed, he became a believer [in Christ] and was [continually] amazed at the teaching about the Lord. Verse ConceptsProconsulMiracles, Responses ToThose Who Believed In ChristConversion, examples of

A certain woman named Lydia, from the town of Thyatira, who sold purple cloth [for a living], was there. She was a worshiper of God and when she heard us [telling about salvation through Christ], the Lord opened her heart to respond to the message being spoken by Paul. Verse ConceptsHearingListeningColors, PurpleReceptivenessResponseProselytesThe Act Of OpeningOpening To OthersPurple ClothMissionariesevangelising

that person should know that whoever brings a sinner back from the error of his way will save that soul from [spiritual] death and will cover over a large number of sins [i.e., the many sins of that person will become forgiven]. Verse ConceptsCoveringConversion, examples ofevangelism, motivation forApostate BelieversSin, Deliverance From GodSoul WinnersSaving PeopleBackslidersErrorforgiving othersForgiving YourselfDeath Of Loved OneLove And ForgivenessThe SoulForgiveness KjvRemoving People From Your LifeLosing SomeoneMaking Mistakessoulwandering

The power of the Lord was upon their efforts so that a large number of people who believed [the message] turned to the Lord [in faithful obedience]. Verse ConceptsConversion, nature ofGrowthHand Of GodProgressRepentance, Nature OfRevival, CorporateChurch, IncreasingReligious AwakeningsAdditionsGod's HandMany In The ChurchTurning To GodGod As The Source Of Faith

[One of the miracles performed was that] sick people were even carried into the streets on beds and couches so that, as he passed them, Peter's shadow would fall on someone [in hope of it producing a miraculous healing]. Verse ConceptsShadowsBedsUsing RoadsPeople Carrying Live PeopleHope And Healing


And when people came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been dominated by 5,000 to 6,000 evil spirits sitting down with his clothes on and perfectly sane, and they were afraid. Verse ConceptsExorcismsevil, victory overDemons, Delivered FromFear, Caused ByLiving WitnessesNakednessClothing OneselfDrawing Near To ChristSitting At The FeetRegaining SanityFear Of ChristThose Demonised



Then Jesus said to him, "Salvation has come to this house today, since he too [i.e., Zacchaeus] is a descendant of Abraham. Verse ConceptsTodayChildren Of AbrahamThe Gospel Of SalvationAdoption By Faith



With every breath [it seemed], Saul [expressed his desire to] threaten and murder the Lord's disciples and [even] went to the head priest Verse ConceptsThreatsThreateningsJudged As Murderersdamascusmotheringbreath


but get up, and enter the city [of Damascus] and [there] you will be told what you must do." Verse ConceptsNecessityTeachablenessUnquestioning ServiceEntering CitiesGiving InformationGet Up!


but, [instead] declared to the people of Damascus first, [then] to the people of Jerusalem, and [finally to those] throughout all of the district of Judea, as well as to the Gentiles [everywhere] that they should repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and turn to God, doing deeds which demonstrate their repentance. Verse ConceptsConversion, nature ofMissionaries, Task OfPreaching, Content OfProof, As EvidenceRepentance, Nature OfRevelation, Responses ToUrgencyPreaching Gospel To ForeignersRepentance And ForgivenessSigns Of RepentanceWorks Of FaithRepentancedamascusevangelising

With every breath [it seemed], Saul [expressed his desire to] threaten and murder the Lord's disciples and [even] went to the head priest to ask for letters [authorizing him to go] to Damascus and to enter [Jewish] synagogues looking for people of "the Way" [Note: This was a designation for Christians at that time]. And if he found any, whether men or women, he would tie them up and take them to Jerusalem. And when he got close to Damascus, suddenly a [bright, See 22:6] light from the sky shone all around him. read more.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Saul replied, "Who are you, sir?" And the voice said, "It is I, Jesus, whom you are persecuting, but get up, and enter the city [of Damascus] and [there] you will be told what you must do." And the men who were traveling with Saul were speechless, having heard the sound, but not seeing anyone. Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes but could not see anything, so had to be led by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. Now [in the meantime] the Lord spoke in a vision to a certain disciple named Ananias [who lived] in Damascus. He called to him by name, "Ananias." "Yes, Lord, here I am" Ananias replied. The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to Straight Street and ask for a person named Saul, from Tarsus, at the home of Judas; you will find him [there] praying." (Now Saul had seen [in a vision] a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him, restoring his sight). But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many people about how much harm this man has done to your holy people at Jerusalem. And [now] he is here with authority from the leading priests to tie up [and imprison] everyone who calls on your name." But the Lord replied to him, "Go on your way, for Saul is someone I have especially chosen to carry my name to the [unconverted] Gentiles, kings and the Israelites. I will show him how many things he will have to suffer for my name's sake." So, Ananias left and went to Judas' house and placed his hands on Saul saying, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you as you were traveling on the road [to Damascus] sent me so you could receive your sight [back] and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And suddenly, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and his sight was [immediately] restored. So, he got up and was immersed [See 22:16]; then ate a meal and received strength. And he stayed on for a number of days with the disciples at Damascus. And so Saul began proclaiming that Jesus was the Son of God in the synagogues [of the Damascus area]. And everyone who heard him was amazed and exclaimed, "Is this not the man who tried to destroy all the people who called on [Jesus'] name in Jerusalem and has now come here [to Damascus] for the purpose of arresting them and bringing them before the leading priests?" But Saul was strengthened [spiritually] and proceeded to confound the Jews living [there] in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. And after a number of days had passed [these] Jews conspired together to kill Saul, but he found out about their plan. And so they watched the gates [of the city] day and night [looking for their chance] to kill him. [However], his disciples lowered him in a basket over the [city] wall at night [and so he escaped]. And when he came [back] to Jerusalem, Saul attempted to associate himself with the disciples but they were afraid of him [because of his past], and could not believe that he was a [true] disciple. So, Barnabas brought him to the [other] apostles and explained to them how he had seen the Lord [while] traveling on the road [to Damascus] and how he had boldly preached in the name of Jesus in that city. Saul then traveled in and out of Jerusalem with the apostles, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord [and] speaking and arguing with the Greek-[speaking] Jews, but they were out to kill him. And when the brothers [in the Jerusalem church] learned about this, they brought him down to Caesarea and then sent him on to Tarsus, [his home town]. So, the church throughout all of Judea, Galilee and Samaria was multiplied in number, enjoyed peace, was built up [spiritually] and lived in awe of the Lord and was comforted by the Holy Spirit.